Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs.

The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox.

Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens.

The boutique hotels within the Veranda Resorts group in Mauritius operate on a pledge to protect the environment, support the local communities, reduce waste, and recycle.

Located mainly in the north and east coast of the island each hotel is typically small.

The hotels take their guests Deep into Mauritius to discover the island's unique identity through authentic experiences.

These are run in collaboration with small local businesses such as local street food tours, bike tours to local villages and the many Hindu temples.

Trips are also available to local workshops to see traditional crafts being made.

Favouring wind-powered boats over motorboats to protect the environment, Veranda Resorts has a catamaran sailing yacht for day excursions.

Guests can discover the colourful. Indian Ocean, marine life and coral and visit the deserted and paradisal Bernache Island.

Sega dancing, another island tradition that is at sunset to the sounds of a Mauritian ravanne drum and an evening of sega dancing, local delicacies and Mauritian-rum infused cocktails takes place on the beach.

Useful links

​ www.veranda-resorts.com/en